2024:529 - SLIGO: Eastern Garavogue Bridge Project, Rathquarter and Bellanode, Sligo

A programme of archaeological test trenching in the townlands of Bellanode and Rathquarter was carried out under Registration No. E005717 (Ministerial Direction A000066) on 14 & 15 August 2024. A total of four linear trenches (T1–T4) were excavated within suitable portions of Fields 2, 9 and 10. Two parallel linear features, measuring 0.5–0.6m in width were identified close to the western end of Trench 1. A small exploratory section excavated into the westernmost of these features (Feature A) showed that the feature had a broad U-shaped profile, up to 0.17m in depth. The fill was similar in colour and composition to the topsoil, however, it contained a small number of fragments of burnt bone, suggesting that this feature—and by association the adjacent linear feature (Feature B)—may be of archaeological potential. Further archaeological investigation/excavation of these potential archaeological features is recommended.